Decimals


Dividing Decimals

Numbers can only be divided by a whole number.

Divisor = the number being divided by.

Dividend = the number being divided into.

Quotient = the answer.

To change a decimal divisor to a whole number, keep multiplying the decimal divisor by 10 until that decimal divisor becomes a whole number.

The dividend being divided into must also be multiplied by 10 each time.

Place the decimal point in the quotient so it lies directly above the decimal point in the dividend.






To Divide 26.88 ÷ 8.4

Multiply 8.4 by 10 to make it the whole number 84.

8.4
x
10
= 84
Multiply 26.88 by 10 as well.

26.88
x
10
= 268.8
Now divide 268.8 by 84
268.8 ÷ 84 = 3.2
The Long Division


3.2
84
268.8
252
168
168





Adding a zero after the decimal point doesn't change the value of the number.

To Divide 54 ÷ 2.4

Multiply 2.4 by 10 to make it the whole number 24.

2.4
x
10
= 24
Multiply 54 by 10 as well.

54
x
10
= 540
Now divide 540 by 24
540 ÷ 24 = 22.5
The Long Division


22.5
24
540.0
48
60
48
120
120




RULE

Dividing Decimals.

Keep multiplying the Divisor, the number being divided by, by 10 until the Divisor becomes a Whole Number.

Multiply the Dividend, the number being divided into, by 10 the same number of times.

Do the Division.

Keep the Decimal Point in the Quotient, the answer, directly above the Decimal Point of the Dividend.

Do not include any Trailing Zeroes.

Use a Leading Zero if necessary.